New HR Vice President Hopes to Add and Enhance Programs

Reginald H. White envisions merging what he knows with what he can create at SHU

Sacred Heart University’s new vice president of human resources, Reginald H. White, will draw on a wealth of experience in the academic and business arenas as he serves the SHU community.

White replaces long-time VP Rob Hardy, who retired recently. White comes to SHU from Connecticut College, where he served as vice president of human resources and organizational development and interim vice president of dining. Before that, he worked at Cornell University as an organizational strategist and then as senior director of human resources for the research division. Prior to his roles in higher education, he held senior executive positions at corporations including Fidelity Investments and Merrill Lynch.

At SHU, White will take over where Hardy left off. He will provide strategic leadership and direction for all facets of human resources management as it pertains to the University’s employees. He will ensure that all human resources programs and initiatives are integrated and effective in supporting the University’s overall mission, goals and objectives, and he will participate in planning and decision-making as a member of the president’s senior leadership team.

“I look forward to having Reginald join the Sacred Heart community,” said SHU President John J. Petillo. “His previous experience both inside and outside higher education will be invaluable in achieving our mission. He will be a great addition to the team and an advocate for our employees.”

In a question-and-answer interview, White discussed his fondness for the human resources field, Sacred Heart’s dedication to its students and his goals in his new position.

What attracted you to Sacred Heart University?

When I visited Sacred Heart earlier this year, I was impressed by its entrepreneurial spirit, dedicated employees and beautiful campus. I also was impressed with the ways in which the University has grown its programs and campus infrastructure while maintaining a commitment to its values to prepare students to be global citizens. When I visited SHU’s website, I saw the question, “Where will your heart take you?” As I learned more about the University, the more intriguing it became. I feel very comfortable saying that my heart was leading me to SHU.

How will previous experiences and roles help you in this new position?

I bring a wealth of experience gained in industry and higher education. It is my hope that what I have learned will give me a strong foundation for making significant contributions to the University. Over the course of my career and life, I have developed a strong commitment to learning and growing. Though I can’t say I understand SHU’s unique challenges yet, I can say that I bring curiosity, compassion, courage and a modicum of humility to any professional environment. I see my role as a merging of what I know with what I can create working collaboratively across the institution. I am optimistic about the possibilities.

What drew you to the human resources field?

I have a deep commitment to contributing to humanity. In my human resources work, I get to collaborate with other leaders to create an environment of possibility while we provide support to individuals and their families in defining and achieving their personal and professional goals. I love being at the nexus of people’s lives. I love being at the table of an organization that delivers extraordinary things for its community. It can be both challenging and rewarding!

What do you hope to accomplish at SHU?

I look forward to learning more about Sacred Heart and its community. I really want to build upon the great work that is already happening: I want to be a strategic partner who works to enhance our existing programs while seizing the opportunities for creating something new. My main priority is to support the community as the University continues to define and redefine itself. I really look forward to being a key contributor to SHU’s future success.